With health reform, today insurance companies can no longer deny individual coverage due to health reasons. However, health reform does not apply to Medicare Supplement plans. Insurance companies can continue to reject or limit Medicare supplement coverage due to health issues.

WSHIP non-Medicare plans

If you're already on a WSHIP non-Medicare plan, you can stay on it until 2017, or you can buy an individual health plan through the Washington Healthplanfinder (www.wahealthplanfinder.org) or directly from an insurance company. You no longer have to answer questions about your health to buy an individual health plan. If you buy a plan through the Washington Healthplanfinder, depending on your income level, you may qualify for federal help paying your premium.